Wild Buckwheat – Polygonum convolvulus

Wild Buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus)

-annual with slender stems trailing on ground or twining about other plants; heart-shaped leaves with basal lobes and a small papery sheath that encircles stem at the leaf base; small green flowers.
-produces up to 1,000 seeds per plant
-confused with field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) which has creeping roots and trumpet-shaped flowers
-tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) (REGIONAL NOXIOUS) is similar but is an erect plant, not prostrate or twining

Acorus calamus

Acorus calamus is a Perennial, semi-aquatic and smelly plant, found in both temperate and subtemperate zones. It is upto 6 feet tall, aromatic, sword-shaped leaves and small, yellow/green flowers with branched rhizome.

Traditional uses: It is a stimulating nervine antispasmodic, and a general tonic to the mind. As a rejuvenative for the brain and nervous system, it is used to promote cerebral circulation, to stimulate self-expression, and to help manage a wide range of symptoms in the head, including neuralgia, epilepsy, memory loss and shock.

It is used in the Phillipines for rheumatism and memory problems. In Korea, it is an ingredient in a type of moonshine called Immortals’ Booze.

Research in China has shown the essential oil in this rhizome to be sedating and neuroprotectant.

Description :
Bupleurum grows in China and is cultivated throughout the central and eastern parts of that country. Bupleurum is also found in other parts of Asia and in Europe. Bupleurum is propagated from seed in spring or by root division in autumn and requires well-drained soil and plenty of sun. The root is unearthed in spring and autumn. Distribution mainly in Chinese provinces such as Hebei, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Henan and Shaanxi.

Action and uses :
Bupleurum is used as a tonic, strengthening the action of the digestive tract, improving liver function, and helping to push blood to the surface of the body. Recent research in China has confirmed traditional use, showing that bupleurum protects the liver.

Shelf Life : two years under well Storage situation and stored away from direct sun light.

Properties:

The herb is sour and sweet in flavour, slightly warm in nature, and acts on the spleen, stomach and liver channels. Acting on the spleen and stomach for relieving stagnated food, strengthening the spleen and inducing appetite, the herb is good at digesting accumulated fatty food and meat as well as stagnated milk in children.

Acting on the liver channel and blood for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, the herb is used to treat pains due to blood stasis.Effects: Relieving stagnated food, promoting blood circulation and eliminating blood stasis.

Indications:

1. To treat stagnated meat, distention and fullness in the stomach and abdomen, greasy fur and oppressive chest, the herb can be used in combination with medicated leaven, germinated barley and areca seed for strengthening the effect of relieving stagnated food.

To treat diarrhea, dysentery and abdominal pain, the herb is often stir-baked charred and decocted for oral use, or used in combination with aucklandia root, coptis root and other herbs.